allowed to operate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "allowed to operate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where permission or authorization is granted for someone or something to function or perform a task. Example: "The new regulations state that only licensed drivers are allowed to operate a vehicle on public roads."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And now major oil and gas operations are allowed to operate on reserves containing their villages.

BBC

"Nevertheless, market forces are allowed to operate".

The New York Times

Only workgroup administrators are allowed to operate on a workgroup.

Stanford University

The newcomer is allowed to operate fairly independently.

The Economist

Even ambulances are not allowed to operate at night.

The New York Times

However, I genuinely think that if the subsidised theatres are allowed to operate commercially, then the commercial theatres should be allowed to operate in a subsidised manner sometimes.

Independent

The source would not be allowed to operate after the 5-year mark without such controls.

Cornell University

(a) Natural ecological succession will be allowed to operate freely to the extent feasible.

Cornell University

Newer ones will be allowed to operate for up to 14 additional years.

The New York Times

Bingo became legal only last year, and only charitable groups are allowed to operate a parlour.

The Economist

Do they think that super PACs should be allowed to operate as they do?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing regulations, specify who or what is "allowed to operate" and under which conditions for clarity.

Common error

Ensure that the context clearly indicates who is granting the permission to operate. Avoid vague language that could leave the reader wondering about the source of authorization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "allowed to operate" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject has been granted permission or authorization to perform a specific action or function. Ludwig's examples demonstrate usage across various contexts, showing its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "allowed to operate" signifies that permission or authorization has been granted to perform a specific action or function. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its frequency is 'very common', particularly in 'News & Media' and 'Academia'. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Related phrases include "permitted to function" and "authorized to run", which offer similar meanings. It is important to clearly specify who or what is "allowed to operate" and under what conditions to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig's examples show a good usage across multiple contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

permitted to function

Changes the verb to "permitted" and replaces "operate" with the more general "function".

granted permission to operate

Emphasizes the granting of permission more explicitly.

authorized to run

Replaces "allowed" with "authorized" and "operate" with "run", implying official approval.

has the green light to operate

Idiomatic expression indicating approval to begin operation.

given leave to operate

Uses "given leave" instead of "allowed", adding a slightly more formal tone.

entitled to function

Suggests a right or entitlement to operate, rather than simply being allowed.

free to operate

Implies a lack of restrictions or impediments to operation.

able to run

Focuses on the capability to run, rather than the permission.

in a position to operate

Indicates that conditions are favorable for operation.

empowered to act

Suggests a delegation of power or authority to take action.

FAQs

How can I use "allowed to operate" in a sentence?

You can use "allowed to operate" to describe situations where someone or something has permission or is authorized to function. For instance, "Only licensed physicians are allowed to operate on patients."

What's a more formal alternative to "allowed to operate"?

A more formal alternative is "permitted to function", which conveys a similar meaning with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is there a difference between "allowed to operate" and "able to operate"?

"Allowed to operate" implies permission or authorization, while "able to operate" suggests capability or the means to function. The former is about being permitted, the latter about having the capacity.

When is it incorrect to use "allowed to operate"?

It would be incorrect to use "allowed to operate" if the subject lacks the necessary skills or resources, even if permission has been granted. Permission without capability doesn't make the operation possible.